Table 2 Classification of emergent themes from data to the CSI framework

“I like to crack jokes… make people laugh …when I go there for 4 h I got a whole new audience to impress!”

Keep my sense of humor or use humor

Express emotion

EFE

ENGAGEMENT

“If I didn’t have my wife, I probly [sic] wouldn’t be alive… I’m coping…because of her.”

“I have a lot of family around me so that helps. You know, they’re always there for me.”

Rely on family or friends for support and encouragement

Social support

“If I didn’t have God, I know I wouldn’t be able to deal with it.”

“Well, I’ve gotten more spiritual now… attending church more.”

Spiritual or pray

“I have to accept it, for what it is. I just, accept it and try to live a productive life.”

Accept it

Cognitive restructuring

PFE

“I can still try to do the best that I can right now.”

Do the best I can

“You’ve got to keep your access sites clean and …I’ve worked pretty hard at that… And I try not to get colds and …I’ve tried to stay healthy”

Take care of myself and follow doctor’s orders (e.g. medications, diet, fluid, rest)

Problem solving

“I like hobbies….[listed several hobbies], I learned to crochet”

“I still want to build a company, I still want to make money…I could retire …but it’s the last thing on my mind.”

Stay active and busy with hobbies or work

“I have to be very careful, like I don’t use my cane … I don’t…let them see how vulnerable I am.”

Protect myself and not let others see how vulnerable I am

Social withdrawal

EFD

DISENGAGEMENT

“I don’t think of it in terms of kidney problems, I suspect I probably should”

Ignore it

Problem avoidance

PFD

“It’s not a problem…I don’t see where I have to cope, I just go through life.”

Feel fine, don’t need a way to cope

“I hope…to get better…the doctor says that it wouldn’t get any better so I guess the dialysis is …the way to keep you alive.”

Resigned but hope it will get better

Wishful thinking